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Monday, June 30, 2014

Chamba in the
millennium township
of Himachal Pradesh as
its history can be traced back to more than thousand years. In order to commemorate this, the Government
of Himachal Pradesh erected a Millenium Gate at the Chowgan grounds of Chamba,
around this square meadow the township had evolved during the millennium of its
existence. Chamba is the temple town of Himachal
Pradesh with a plethora to temples, some dating back
to 10th Century AD, built in Sikhara style.

Panoramic view of Chamba town

The aerial view of temples of Chamba

Ravi River meanders by Chamba township

The Millenium Gate at Chowgan in Chamba

Bharmour, anciently known
as Brahmpura,
was the ancient capital of Chamba, Himachal Pradesh (India) till 920
AD. Bharmour is situated in Budhil and Ravi
valley at an altitude of 2195 meters from sea level 65 kms. to the south-east
of Chamba. Bharmour is
also popular because of its proximity with ManimaheshLake,
Manimahesh Kailash and Chaurasi (84) ancient temples, which are reflecting the
glorious past of this hidden town. Bharmour is also known as the Abode of Shiva
as there are numerous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in and nearby regions The
whole region around Bharmour is considered to be under the control of Lord
Shiva, hence is also known as the Shiv Bhumi.

Panoramic view of Chamera dam just beyond Chamba

Panoramic view of Bharmour town

The
famous Manimahesh trek starts from the village
of Hadsar,
which is about 13 Kms. from Bharmour and the picturesque road runs along the
beautiful Budhil river (a tributary of Ravi). The trek of 14 Kms. starts from this point
onwards towards Manimahesh. Beyond
Hadsar, one crosses a small bridge across the BudhilRiver
and then traverses along its left side for another 9 Kms. to reach Dharol and
now the road has been added another 3 Kms. further ahead and therefrom the 3
Kms. trek to Kugti village & beyond starts. It is a starting point for many treks, which
take the trekkers beyond the snow bound passes into Manali & Ladakh and
this traditional trek routes are also used by the local Gaddis (Sheep herders)
to take their flock to the higher meadows rich in grass & minerals that
provide special quality to the top quality wool being gathered from them.

View of Budhil River valley from Hadsar

On
the other side of Bharmour lies Holi,
which is about 51 Kms. from Bharmour and the road runs alongside the RaviRiver
and is spectacular site for nature lovers. This road ends just beyond Nayagraon, about 3 Kms. further where
the famous temple
of Laake Wali
Mata is situated and here the road ends. The Himachal Government is exploring the idea
of building a 3 Kms. long tunnel below the mountains here, which will help
connect Chamba with Kangra and reduce the road distance by almost 70 Kms. As of now, the vehicles have to traverse
across the high JotPass
to cross over the Dhauladhars towards Kangra valley.The pass is at an altitude of about 2800
meters and about 22 Kms. from Chamba town and is usually closed during the
winter months due to heavy snowfall.

View of Ravi River flowing by Holi

Dalhousie is the most famous tourist
destination and hill station of Chamba District of Himachal Pradesh.Perched at an altitude of 2039 mts. in the
outer slopes of Dhauladhar range with its natural beauty and quiet surroundings
is the best holiday resort. It comprises of 5 Hills namely Balun, Kathlog,
Potreyn, Tehra and Bakrota with heights ranging between 1525 mts. to 2378 mts.
It has many level and interesting walks amongst dense forest.However, due to its proximity to Punjab, especially Gurdaspur etc., the place is for ever
jam packed and almost all the homes appear to have been converted into Hotels
or makeshift ones during the season and the traffic is a nightmare. People come without bookings and time you will
find them spending nights in their vehicles, it is a catastrophe waiting to
happen.Another destination near
Dalhousie is Khajjiar, about 23 Kms.
is another over-rated and over crowded destinations where the entire road gets
blocked by traffic with the locals enticing them with all kinds of trade, at
the cost of the nature of course.

Jot Pass view

Panoramic view of of Khajjiar

The squalor of Dalhousie

This
is the overview of the destination called Chamba, with a lot of scenic beauties
hidden in its folds, which I shall be narrating in detail in the coming weeks.